From Filing Permanent Records to Filing for Unemployment

The school year is finally over and instead of beginning a relaxing summer, I find myself starting the job search process. Due to the economy, my school has struggled this past year and anticipates that they will continue to struggle next year. Therefore, us "new" teachers (I thought I might be safe with two years under my belt!) were told we would not have jobs again next year.

Which leaves me here- once again jobless and filing for unemployment. I'm relatively confident that I will be able to find something by fall, however, it is highly probable that I will have to move to a new area. It's been discouraging because after two years, I feel like I'm finally hitting my stride. I've gotten to the point where I feel comfortable with all the staff and I truly feel like I fit in. I now feel that I know the majority of students and families at my school. I finally feel like I truly know what to expect during the course of a year with five year olds. However, it's time to start ALL over again...potentially in a area, possibly in a new school, and probably in a new grade. I can't quite get a grasp on what emotion I feel most- it seems to vary by day. I'm disappointed and discouraged that I won't be in Kindergarten again and it is not due to my own choosing. I'm nervous about trying out a new school or a new grade and feeling like a "new" teacher all over again. I'm excited about what may be ahead because I did not intend on ending up at my current school and I've turned out loving it. All in all, I'm not sure what I think or what to think.

So for now, I'm crossing my fingers (oh, and filling out quite a few applications, too) that life will work out the way it's supposed to. It's possible that the next time you read this blog, I'll have a whole new grade to tell you about!